Mike Gundy may be facing tough times, but he is far from defeated. Oklahoma State’s season has taken a downturn, now standing at 3-6, without a single Big 12 win and mired in a painful six-game losing streak that culminated in a disheartening blowout against Arizona State. Yet, Gundy remains as defiant as ever, serving up another memorable soundbite while firing back at his detractors, as reported by David Hookstead of OutKick.
For Gundy, the message is clear: if you’re going to critique his program, be prepared for a rebuttal. He’s the one who famously declared, “I’m a man!” and that passion has not faded. In his latest comments, he took aim at his most vocal critics, suggesting they aren’t even capable of managing their own finances. This is classic Gundy—raw and unapologetic. He’s not interested in winning over the naysayers, especially when they are relentless in their criticism.
“That’s what occurs in college athletics. It’s just that the platform is larger, allowing people to express their opinions, and in many cases, those who are negative and vocal are often the very ones who struggle to pay their own bills,” Gundy expressed to reporters. “They’re not managing their own lives. They’re not caring for their families. They’re not fulfilling their job responsibilities. Yet, they feel entitled to voice complaints about others because it provides them with a sense of relief.
“However, when they lay their heads down at night, they remain the same disappointments they were before they uttered any negative comments about someone else.”
There’s no denying that the Cowboys’ season is in disarray. This outcome is not what fans had anticipated, and it’s fair to say that many are disheartened by the team’s lackluster performance. Still, Gundy’s approach is to stand firm and confront anyone who challenges his leadership. There’s something to be admired about that. He is willing to confront tough situations and defend his team, even if it makes waves.
Gundy is a unique figure, and college football benefits from having individuals like him—coaches who are unafraid to voice their thoughts and engage fans with their personality, regardless of the challenges on the field. For better or worse, Gundy shows no signs of stepping back.
Image Source: Mike Gundy @ Instagram